Today At Utah Policy

Utah is different - get over itBy LaVarr Webb, publisherThere sure seems to be a lot of angst and hand-wringing lately over Utah’s image. The ruckus over .05 DUI level is the latest example.Lots of people seem to be staying up nights worrying that outsiders will view Utah as an old-fashioned, backwater state where women wea...

Liquor law: Two steps forward, one step backBy Bob Bernick, Contributing EditorWhen it comes to liquor law reform in Utah, why does it always seem to be two steps forward, one step back?Thursday, GOP Gov. Gary Herbert told reporters he will sign the controversial HB155 passed recently by the 2017 Legislature.The bill lowers the blood alcohol level for ...

GOP lawmakers share bill-passing power with DemsBy Bob Bernick, Contributing EditorIf you thought the 2017 Utah Legislature was rather quiet – as partisan battles go – you are correct.Brigham Young University political science professor Adam Brown always does interesting analysis on his utahdatapoints.com web site.And here is his annual legisla...

Analysis: Will Orrin Hatch run for re-election?By LaVarr Webb, publisherOne of the big political questions for 2017 is whether Sen. Orrin Hatch will seek re-election in 2018. Hatch could postpone his decision until next year, but that’s not likely. If he runs, he needs to gear up a campaign and scare off potential challengers, so an announ...

Jordan & Ukraine ambassadors to speak at Rep. Stewart's conferenceBy Press ReleaseRep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) will host his third annual “America’s Role in the World” Conference on Friday, March 31, at the Zions Bank Building downtown, 18th floor, 10 East South Temple. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Speakers and panelists wil...

Policy News

Herbert signs bill to strengthen impaired driving lawsAt its core, I believe H.B. 155 is good public policy. I signed it into law to help strengthen Utah's impaired driving laws and to reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths on our roads. I will call a special session to address the unintended and collateral consequences of...

Utah's delegation recognized for pro-business votesThis week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its How They Voted scorecard honoring all six members of Utah’s congressional delegation for their support of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies during the second session of the 114th Congress. “Once agai...

Utah drops from B to C in charter school scorecardMost coal consumption in the United States is for electricity generation. However, coal-fueled electricity’s share of the total has been decreasing. This is due in large part to the availability of low-cost natural gas, stringent environmental regulations tha...

Utah Foundation analyzes coal energy, production & the futureMost coal consumption in the United States is for electricity generation. However, coal-fueled electricity’s share of the total has been decreasing. This is due in large part to the availability of low-cost natural gas, stringent environmental regulations tha...

Ads call for Bears Ears monument rescissionThe Stewards of San Juan County and Sutherland Institute have announced the launch of two commercial spots on KSL5-TV with a call to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument. The first video, which can already be viewed on KSL.com, features local children whose futures are t...